Today was our first doctor visit. Baby Girl has been with us for nearly 3 weeks! She will turn 1 month old this week. I can't believe it's been that long already! The doctor says she's doing very well. She's still a little small, but is otherwise in very good health. The doctor seems to think she'll catch up over time which was encouraging. She has gained almost 3 lbs! I was shocked and excited! My little tiny princess has outgrown her preemie clothes and is now filling out new born sizes. At this rate we'll soon be growing into the 0-3mth size!
Today I was able to meet Baby Girl's social worker. She seems nice but had literally just been handed the file so didn't know much about the case yet. We have a home visit set up for next Monday morning. Baby Girl has a very busy social calendar that I have to keep up with now! haha
We've been so blessed by our friends of late with help caring for Baby Girl and one of my girlfriends has loaded us up with tiny baby girl stuff! Her daughter is 15mths old and she has tons of stuff. Being a "new mommy" this has been great since I'm still not completely sure what to buy when out on my own haha. I love that she's bringing stuff she knows I need. I have used everything she's shared from clothing and blankets to swing. Thank God for Erin :)
My boys are still in love with their new "little sister" and I have never seen my wonderful hubby so smitten. It's a really beautiful time in our home and we're cherishing every moment of it. We're still aware things could change at any time. We're still praying for what's best for our Baby Girl and for the strength for whatever that may be.
I have been cooking and baking like crazy lately. This week alone I've made pasta carbonara with roasted vegetables, huevos rancheros, and 3 cheese stuffed manicotti with fresh spinach and roasted vegetables. Sunday night I roasted a large pan of mixed veggies in the oven. I've made 2 entrees and 3 different lunches out of them. So healthy, easy, and delicious! I used a trio of bell peppers, purple onion, carrots, celery, squash and zuccini. I roasted them with garlic, olive oil, and sea salt on 350F for about an hour. The lunches made with the roasted veggies were quick and easy mini pizzas on open faced english muffins, quesadillas which I added black beans also used in the huevos rancheros, and an AMAZING pita pocket stuffed with red pepper hummus, fresh spinach, sauteed mushrooms and of course the veggies! I'm pretty proud of the use of ingredients and elimination of waste in doing all these dishes. I'm also proud that I was able to get veggies into so many meals!
That's all the happenings on the home front today. I am so blessed. I love my growing family and gosh I love to cook. And wow don't I love it when my kids are in the kitchen with me. I think that may be one of my favorite things. =]
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Our Oldest is 11!
I don't know when exactly he got so big, but our oldest turned 11! His birthday was 12/30. I am fortunate enough to have a flexible schedule that allowed me to spend the morning with him on his birthday. Hubby, Birthday Boy, and I all went to breakfast at Waffle House; this was his request for the 2nd year in a row. After breakfast Hubby went to work and the kiddo and I spent the day together. We had a bike ride in the neighborhood, he played some video games, then we went to the bookstore and lunch at Little Island Cafe. I really enjoyed getting to spend the time with him. I know that evening his mom did a special dinner and took him to the movies. I think he had a pretty good birthday.
As is tradition we had his big family birthday party Sunday afternoon. I imagine these big parties will stop soon with the onset of the teenage era, but for now I think they still enjoy having all sides of their family come together to celebrate these milestones. Here are some pics from the festivities:
As is tradition we had his big family birthday party Sunday afternoon. I imagine these big parties will stop soon with the onset of the teenage era, but for now I think they still enjoy having all sides of their family come together to celebrate these milestones. Here are some pics from the festivities:
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| Skateboard cake made by Birthday Boy's Mom! |
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| My parents, boys, and new Baby Girl |
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| Wonder what he wished for? Girls? HAHA |
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| My Dad sure is handsome |
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| Upside down w/ the birthday boy! |
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| Cousin C enjoying cake! |
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| Presents! |
Monday, January 9, 2012
2012 brought us a baby!
I just read my last post and it closed with what will 2012 bring? 2011 ended with our first foster care placement. Beautiful "Baby Girl" came to us on Friday 12/30 around 6pm. She's so very special and so very loved already. She was born on my dad's birthday and came to live with us on my oldest son's birthday straight from the hospital. She was born 4lbs. 14oz. and was 18" long. She is tiny and simply beautiful. Our house is already very different and all for the better. She is exactly what I knew we were missing here.
We are praying for God's will for what's best for Baby Girl. Her next court date is the end of January, but unless something develops in the next week or so it seems she'll be with us for some time. We love her so much and are thankful for the prospect of her staying with us for some time. At the same time I feel sad for her because she is so perfect and wonderful I wonder where her bio family is... Sometimes I'm overcome from the sheer joy of having her here, at other times with fear for our family as we go through this process with her, and still at others with sadness for her at the loss she's already experienced just days in this world. I have promised her that I'll be as strong as I can, that I'll love her with my whole heart, and that I will do my very best to advocate for her.
The goal of foster care is to reunite families. At this time we don't know anything about her family. We are the only family she knows. I was concerned about our boys and their initial reception of her. It only took moments of seeing her small person for them to welcome her into their arms and hearts. Our oldest has named her "Little Sister". I keep telling them that things can change, that she will move to her family when they're found, but I also tell them she's now part of us forever. I'm praying for my boys too.
Our families love her, our friend's who've met her love her, and we adore her. We have a host of prayers going up on our behalf and we are so thankful for all of you praying us through this journey. One of my dear friends told me "God won't bring you to it unless he brings you through it." I'm trusting in that. I'm trusting in His plan for us all. She has changed our lives forever and I think we're providing her a great foundation for whatever may come next.
Jeremiah 29:11 "I know what I am doing. I have it all planned out; plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for." That is her verse, but it is also a promise for us on this journey we're just beginning.
2012 was broken in with my favorite people. My wonderful hubby, our two boys, and new Baby Girl all toasted sparkling grape juice at midnight. Happy New Year, Everyone!
We are praying for God's will for what's best for Baby Girl. Her next court date is the end of January, but unless something develops in the next week or so it seems she'll be with us for some time. We love her so much and are thankful for the prospect of her staying with us for some time. At the same time I feel sad for her because she is so perfect and wonderful I wonder where her bio family is... Sometimes I'm overcome from the sheer joy of having her here, at other times with fear for our family as we go through this process with her, and still at others with sadness for her at the loss she's already experienced just days in this world. I have promised her that I'll be as strong as I can, that I'll love her with my whole heart, and that I will do my very best to advocate for her.
The goal of foster care is to reunite families. At this time we don't know anything about her family. We are the only family she knows. I was concerned about our boys and their initial reception of her. It only took moments of seeing her small person for them to welcome her into their arms and hearts. Our oldest has named her "Little Sister". I keep telling them that things can change, that she will move to her family when they're found, but I also tell them she's now part of us forever. I'm praying for my boys too.
Our families love her, our friend's who've met her love her, and we adore her. We have a host of prayers going up on our behalf and we are so thankful for all of you praying us through this journey. One of my dear friends told me "God won't bring you to it unless he brings you through it." I'm trusting in that. I'm trusting in His plan for us all. She has changed our lives forever and I think we're providing her a great foundation for whatever may come next.
Jeremiah 29:11 "I know what I am doing. I have it all planned out; plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for." That is her verse, but it is also a promise for us on this journey we're just beginning.
2012 was broken in with my favorite people. My wonderful hubby, our two boys, and new Baby Girl all toasted sparkling grape juice at midnight. Happy New Year, Everyone!
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
Where did December go?
What a crazy month it has been. Every waking moment for the last two weeks has been filled with Christmas activities. I really enjoyed seeing all our family, going to Church with my Hubby for the special Christmas program, and spending a lot of family time together. Here are some pictures for the month:
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| Xmas Eve Chocolate. A tradition since 2007 |
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| Christmas Eve at home with My Love |
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| Mom and the boys 122511 |
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| M's new skateboard |
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| Dad's Xmas/Birthday celebration |
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| The Pierce Family 121911 |
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| MW3; you wouldve thought they got the world! |
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| Nephew did a great job being 'santa' |
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| xmas play at FBS. Back to the Manger |
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| The 4 of us. 121911 |
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| Papa Don 121211 |
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| They got the same book - 2yrs in a row! HAHAHA |
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| Wonder Woman and Captain America! |
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| I love to watch him bring in the tree <3 |
I really enjoyed the cooking and especially the candy making of the season! I made pralines, peanut brittle, and some rocky road! Christmas Eve was a great evening spent at home just us four. I did a delicious trio of sauteed mushrooms and spinach lasagna! Hubby said it was the best :) We did our traditional homemade cocoa and drank it from our special mugs we got quite a few years ago now!
Christmas morning we did a few more presents with the boys and then they left to spend the rest of the day with their mom. Chris and I were able to spend the day snugglin' just us two. It was nice to have that time together.
I can't wait for the New Year and what 2012 will bring!
Monday, December 12, 2011
some thoughts today
I should be wrapping gifts and cleaning my house, but it's been one of those mornings and I have little time before picking up the boys. After I pick them up I don't expect a moment to myself until next Monday morning, so I'm taking advantage of this moment.
First I got this email today that made me cry. Granted I'm having one of those days so tears may have been a little much, but none the less I found it very touching. Here it is for your review:
"I remember my first Christmas adventure with Grandma. I was just a kid.
First I got this email today that made me cry. Granted I'm having one of those days so tears may have been a little much, but none the less I found it very touching. Here it is for your review:
"I remember my first Christmas adventure with Grandma. I was just a kid.
I remember tearing across town on my bike to visit her on the day my big sister dropped the bomb: "There is no Santa Claus," she jeered. "Even dummies know that!"
My Grandma was not the gushy kind, never had been. I fled to her that day because I knew she would be straight with me. I knew Grandma always told the truth, and I knew that the truth always went down a whole lot easier when swallowed with one of her "world-famous" cinnamon buns. I knew they were world-famous, because Grandma said so. It had to be true.
Grandma was home, and the buns were still warm. Between bites, I told her everything. She was ready for me. "No Santa Claus?" she snorted...."Ridiculous! Don't believe it. That rumor has been going around for years, and it makes me mad, plain mad!! Now, put on your coat, and let's go."
"Go? Go where, Grandma?" I asked. I hadn't even finished my second world-famous cinnamon bun. "Where" turned out to be Kerby's General Store, the one store in town that had a little bit of just about everything. As we walked through its doors, Grandma handed me ten dollars. That was a bundle in those days. "Take this money," she said, "and buy something for someone who needs it. I'll wait for you in the car." Then she turned and walked out of Kerby's.
I was only eight years old. I'd often gone shopping with my mother, but never had I shopped for anything all by myself. The store seemed big and crowded, full of people scrambling to finish their Christmas shopping.
For a few moments I just stood there, confused, clutching that ten-dollar bill, wondering what to buy, and who on earth to buy it for.
I thought of everybody I knew: my family, my friends, my neighbors, the kids at school, the people who went to my church. I was just about thought out, when I suddenly thought of Bobby Decker. He was a kid with bad breath and messy hair, and he sat right behind me in Mrs. Pollock's grade-two class. Bobby Decker didn't have a coat. I knew that because he never went out to recess during the winter. His mother always wrote a note, telling the teacher that he had a cough, but all we kids knew that Bobby Decker didn't have a cough; he didn't have a good coat. I fingered the ten-dollar bill with growing excitement. I would buy Bobby Decker a coat!
I settled on a red corduroy one that had a hood to it. It looked real warm, and he would like that.
"Is this a Christmas present for someone?" the lady behind the counter asked kindly, as I laid my ten dollars down. "Yes, ma'am," I replied shyly. "It's for Bobby." The nice lady smiled at me, as I told her about how Bobby really needed a good winter coat. I didn't get any change, but she put the coat in a bag, smiled again, and wished me a Merry Christmas.
That evening, Grandma helped me wrap the coat (a little tag fell out of the coat, and Grandma tucked it in her Bible) in Christmas paper and ribbons and wrote, "To Bobby, From Santa Claus" on it. Grandma said that Santa always insisted on secrecy. Then she drove me over to Bobby Decker's house, explaining as we went that I was now and forever officially, one of Santa's helpers.
Grandma parked down the street from Bobby's house, and she and I crept noiselessly and hid in the bushes by his front walk. Then Grandma gave me a nudge. "All right, Santa Claus," she whispered, "get going."
I took a deep breath, dashed for his front door, threw the present down on his step, pounded his door and flew back to the safety of the bushes and Grandma.Together we waited breathlessly in the darkness for the front door to open. Finally it did, and there stood Bobby.
Fifty years haven't dimmed the thrill of those moments spent shivering, beside my Grandma, in Bobby Decker's bushes. That night, I realized that those awful rumors about Santa Claus were just what Grandma said they were -- ridiculous. Santa was alive and well, and we were on his team.
I still have the Bible, with the coat tag tucked inside: $19.95.
May you always have LOVE to share, HEALTH to spare and FRIENDS that care...And may you always believe in the magic of Santa Claus!"
My Grandma was not the gushy kind, never had been. I fled to her that day because I knew she would be straight with me. I knew Grandma always told the truth, and I knew that the truth always went down a whole lot easier when swallowed with one of her "world-famous" cinnamon buns. I knew they were world-famous, because Grandma said so. It had to be true.
Grandma was home, and the buns were still warm. Between bites, I told her everything. She was ready for me. "No Santa Claus?" she snorted...."Ridiculous! Don't believe it. That rumor has been going around for years, and it makes me mad, plain mad!! Now, put on your coat, and let's go."
"Go? Go where, Grandma?" I asked. I hadn't even finished my second world-famous cinnamon bun. "Where" turned out to be Kerby's General Store, the one store in town that had a little bit of just about everything. As we walked through its doors, Grandma handed me ten dollars. That was a bundle in those days. "Take this money," she said, "and buy something for someone who needs it. I'll wait for you in the car." Then she turned and walked out of Kerby's.
I was only eight years old. I'd often gone shopping with my mother, but never had I shopped for anything all by myself. The store seemed big and crowded, full of people scrambling to finish their Christmas shopping.
For a few moments I just stood there, confused, clutching that ten-dollar bill, wondering what to buy, and who on earth to buy it for.
I thought of everybody I knew: my family, my friends, my neighbors, the kids at school, the people who went to my church. I was just about thought out, when I suddenly thought of Bobby Decker. He was a kid with bad breath and messy hair, and he sat right behind me in Mrs. Pollock's grade-two class. Bobby Decker didn't have a coat. I knew that because he never went out to recess during the winter. His mother always wrote a note, telling the teacher that he had a cough, but all we kids knew that Bobby Decker didn't have a cough; he didn't have a good coat. I fingered the ten-dollar bill with growing excitement. I would buy Bobby Decker a coat!
I settled on a red corduroy one that had a hood to it. It looked real warm, and he would like that.
"Is this a Christmas present for someone?" the lady behind the counter asked kindly, as I laid my ten dollars down. "Yes, ma'am," I replied shyly. "It's for Bobby." The nice lady smiled at me, as I told her about how Bobby really needed a good winter coat. I didn't get any change, but she put the coat in a bag, smiled again, and wished me a Merry Christmas.
That evening, Grandma helped me wrap the coat (a little tag fell out of the coat, and Grandma tucked it in her Bible) in Christmas paper and ribbons and wrote, "To Bobby, From Santa Claus" on it. Grandma said that Santa always insisted on secrecy. Then she drove me over to Bobby Decker's house, explaining as we went that I was now and forever officially, one of Santa's helpers.
Grandma parked down the street from Bobby's house, and she and I crept noiselessly and hid in the bushes by his front walk. Then Grandma gave me a nudge. "All right, Santa Claus," she whispered, "get going."
I took a deep breath, dashed for his front door, threw the present down on his step, pounded his door and flew back to the safety of the bushes and Grandma.Together we waited breathlessly in the darkness for the front door to open. Finally it did, and there stood Bobby.
Fifty years haven't dimmed the thrill of those moments spent shivering, beside my Grandma, in Bobby Decker's bushes. That night, I realized that those awful rumors about Santa Claus were just what Grandma said they were -- ridiculous. Santa was alive and well, and we were on his team.
I still have the Bible, with the coat tag tucked inside: $19.95.
May you always have LOVE to share, HEALTH to spare and FRIENDS that care...And may you always believe in the magic of Santa Claus!"
This time of year is hectic, it's stressful trying to fit all of the visits into the allotted time, it's trying to make sure you have all the gifts... it is however reminders like this one that it's about more. I am so thankful for my friends who always come through for me, for those who have stepped up when I've felt alone, and for my best friend My Christopher who makes every day of my life special.
Last little note for the day, I heard about our foster process. We are indeed licensed and our case is now assigned to an official support worker. I expect we'll hear from her at some point. There are children that need a safe place for Christmas and I really hope we're able to share our Christmas with someone who needs it this year. God has blessed us so very much and I'd like to share that blessing; I'd like to be Santa Claus for a little person that needs it. I'd like to restore to them a belief that I hope they'll be able to carry for a lifetime. It's all in God's hands, but that's my thoughts on it today. If His timing sees fit for Christmas then that is what we will do; share His love and His story and then a little of our own Santa Claus and Christmas magic with them. God bless us. Everyone.
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Playing Catch Up
I didn't realize it had been so long since I posted! Time flew by this November and our calendar is already filling up in December! I also just realized that while I've been taking tons of pictures - always - that I have not downloaded them yet! Alas tomorrow I return to work so picture downloads will have to wait.
As for the month of November. It was busy as always. My beautiful niece Ms. P turned 3! I have been in love with this little girl since the moment I found out she was coming :) She had a My Little Pony party at her house complete with "Pin the cutie mark on the pony" game and a Repunzel tower cake. It was a pretty snazzy party for a three-year-old.
We've also taken up ice skating. Saturday nights from 7-9 is open ice at the Pelham Civic Complex. It's great exercise and alot of fun. Hubby and I went with friends the first time, but then with the kids and friends the next. The boys LOVED it! They even asked today when we'd go again! Anything that keeps us moving during these cold months count me in! I do not want to be sedentary.
Of course we had Thanksgiving and oh how I wish I had those pictures downloaded. I made some incredible food! An amazing stuffed pork loin with an apple and sage stuffing, 4 cheese mac n cheese that included gruyere, cheddar, parmesan, and feta; my great grandmother's should be famous corn casserole; roasted sweet potatoes; peanut butter pie; pumpkin roll; brownies. I really had a BLAST cooking everything. It is what I love. Hubby's family and my parents and grandparents all came to feast with us. Our boys even got to come much earlier than expected and made it to dinner with us! It was a wonderful day of family time.
We saw Breaking Dawn part 1 Saturday evening. Oh how I love the teen drama :)
Sunday we put up the Christmas Tree!! I LOVE LOVE LOVE Christmas and Christmas decorating! Putting up the tree has become a tradition that Hubby and I do alone. The boys get to participate at their mom's house so I don't feel they're being deprived and I feel like it's special time Hubby and I share. We go pick out the tree together, which mostly consists of him holding up various trees for my inspection :) Then we bring it home, test the lights, and sing Christmas carols while we decorate. It's always a fun time. Our tree is purple and blue and coordinated with the house. It's pretty :)
We still haven't received our first foster placement call. I followed up with our social worker today to confirm we were licensed. She responded "I'm sure you're licensed let me check on it and I'll get back to you asap". That was early this morning and I haven't received another message today. It's frustrating. While I don't wish for what creates a foster placement, I wish to help and I really want to have a small child in the house for Christmas. There's something magical for small children at this time of year and I want to help create that magic for a child that needs and wants it.
Tomorrow marks the end of November and then the 25 days of Christmas begin! YAY!
As for the month of November. It was busy as always. My beautiful niece Ms. P turned 3! I have been in love with this little girl since the moment I found out she was coming :) She had a My Little Pony party at her house complete with "Pin the cutie mark on the pony" game and a Repunzel tower cake. It was a pretty snazzy party for a three-year-old.
We've also taken up ice skating. Saturday nights from 7-9 is open ice at the Pelham Civic Complex. It's great exercise and alot of fun. Hubby and I went with friends the first time, but then with the kids and friends the next. The boys LOVED it! They even asked today when we'd go again! Anything that keeps us moving during these cold months count me in! I do not want to be sedentary.
Of course we had Thanksgiving and oh how I wish I had those pictures downloaded. I made some incredible food! An amazing stuffed pork loin with an apple and sage stuffing, 4 cheese mac n cheese that included gruyere, cheddar, parmesan, and feta; my great grandmother's should be famous corn casserole; roasted sweet potatoes; peanut butter pie; pumpkin roll; brownies. I really had a BLAST cooking everything. It is what I love. Hubby's family and my parents and grandparents all came to feast with us. Our boys even got to come much earlier than expected and made it to dinner with us! It was a wonderful day of family time.
We saw Breaking Dawn part 1 Saturday evening. Oh how I love the teen drama :)
Sunday we put up the Christmas Tree!! I LOVE LOVE LOVE Christmas and Christmas decorating! Putting up the tree has become a tradition that Hubby and I do alone. The boys get to participate at their mom's house so I don't feel they're being deprived and I feel like it's special time Hubby and I share. We go pick out the tree together, which mostly consists of him holding up various trees for my inspection :) Then we bring it home, test the lights, and sing Christmas carols while we decorate. It's always a fun time. Our tree is purple and blue and coordinated with the house. It's pretty :)
We still haven't received our first foster placement call. I followed up with our social worker today to confirm we were licensed. She responded "I'm sure you're licensed let me check on it and I'll get back to you asap". That was early this morning and I haven't received another message today. It's frustrating. While I don't wish for what creates a foster placement, I wish to help and I really want to have a small child in the house for Christmas. There's something magical for small children at this time of year and I want to help create that magic for a child that needs and wants it.
Tomorrow marks the end of November and then the 25 days of Christmas begin! YAY!
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Quick update - Foster license is coming
This is really just a blurb. I had to run by the DHR office today and add some paperwork to our file. I emailed our social worker preparing the licensing to tell her I'd dropped the papers by. She responded that she received them AND that she's trying to get our report finished up. She said she expects to have us licensed early next week!
That is both exciting and very scary! After we get the license then we'll start getting the phone calls. I really hope I'm able to do and be everything that's needed of me and that I can give the best of me.
That is both exciting and very scary! After we get the license then we'll start getting the phone calls. I really hope I'm able to do and be everything that's needed of me and that I can give the best of me.
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